Catfish Climbs a Cave Wall

May 6, 2015 - Scientists exploring a limestone cave in Ecuador made an extraordinary find: a fish climbing a wall. Though this is believed to be the same type of fish, Chaetostoma microps, previously seen in aboveground rivers, this is the first time it has been observed climbing in a cave. The discovery makes it the second fish known to scale cave walls. Scientists believe the fish can climb thanks to modified structural elements of its fins, skin, and mouth. The thin film of water trickling down the wall also helps.

Catfish Climbs a Cave Wall

May 6, 2015 - Scientists exploring a limestone cave in Ecuador made an extraordinary find: a fish climbing a wall. Though this is believed to be the same type of fish, Chaetostoma microps, previously seen in aboveground rivers, this is the first time it has been observed climbing in a cave. The discovery makes it the second fish known to scale cave walls. Scientists believe the fish can climb thanks to modified structural elements of its fins, skin, and mouth. The thin film of water trickling down the wall also helps.